What gives satellites their tangential velocity?

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SUMMARY

Satellites achieve tangential velocity primarily through a two-phase launch process. Initially, they are launched vertically to penetrate the lower atmosphere, followed by a horizontal acceleration to reach the required tangential velocity for orbit. This method is essential for maintaining a stable orbit around Earth. For a detailed explanation, refer to the resource provided in the discussion.

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phyiscsormath
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What gives satellite a tangential velocity?
 
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phyiscsormath said:
What gives satellite a tangential velocity?
:welcome:

I guess the short answer is "that's rocket science"!

Basically the satellite is launched vertically to get through the lower part of the atmosphere, but then accelerates horizontally to achieve the necessary tangential velocity.

There's a good explanation here, for example:

https://www.scienceabc.com/nature/u...into-orbit-and-kept-up-there-for-so-long.html
 
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